County Information

State Rep. Aaron Miller this week announced a state agency has recommended funding for two local projects to enhance recreational opportunities. Projects recommended by the Natural Resources Trust Fund Board include the $293,700 development of a canoe and kayak launch site north of the bridge at Memory Isle Park in Three Rivers. The development will also convert lights at the …

With the help of local police and fire personnel, 22 Sturgis elementary students had their Christmas season brightened Saturday morning. The students were selected by staff members from Wall, Congress, Wenzel and Eastwood schools. Sturgis Walmart donated money for the students to shop. The event was organized by Sturgis school resource officer Sam Watson. Representatives from Sturgis, Michigan State Police …

A one-mile stretch of Constantine Road will be upgraded thanks to a state grant and financial contributions from two local entities. During last week’s county commission meeting, Commissioner Dennis Allen said he received confirmation of the funding from Michigan Department of Transportation. The financial help will be provided through a “High Risk Rural Roads” grant. The 80/20 grant will see …

The Constantine Village Council held a special meeting Tuesday to review a medical marijuana ordinance to allow facilities in the village. A resolution and permit application also were reviewed. The ordinance initially passed by a 5-2 vote, but village attorney Howard Bush advised that a criteria and decision on how many such businesses the village will allow should be in place. …

Troopers from Michigan State Police are investigating recent, unrelated thefts. The first incident involved multiple packages left at a home on Patterson Lane, a dead-end street in Three Rivers. The theft occurred between noon and 1 p.m. Sunday, police said. The packages were left on the ground in front of the home and no one was at home. The items stolen …

St. Joseph County’s board of commissioners has approved amendments to the bylaws of the Veterans Affairs Board. During last week’s meeting, commissioners agreed to the changes that include dropping the requirement calling for at least one board member to have served in WW I. The bylaw was changed to read “… at least one member shall represent a congressionally chartered …

Representatives from Fleis & Vandenbrink Engineering gave a presentation recently about the Constantine wastewater system and asset management planning. Jon Moxie and Lindsay Sagorski said parts of the village system are from the 1940s and in bad shape. Moxie said sewer and water rates are set so the village is just breaking even. He suggested the village begin setting aside …

Fire caused heavy damage Monday to a home in the 70000 block of M-66 in Sturgis Township. Tri-Township firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the residence and authorities believe the fire started in the rear of the home before spreading to the attic. No injuries were reported. The homeowner was at work at the time of the blaze, …

The Three Rivers Health Auxiliary surpassed its 2017 goal by raising more than $11,000 in its 27th annual Lights of Love Tree Lighting Ceremony last weekend. Lights of Love Committee member Karen Armstrong said Lights of Love exceeded its $10,000 goal this year. The event will allow the auxiliary to purchase a new bladder scanner for the hospital. Donors gave …

Members of Centreville Public Schools Board of Education have voted to allow superintendent Stephanie Lemmer to post the position of a full-time business manager. The move will let Lemmer explore options for business office staffing after the St. Joseph County Intermediate School District employee who currently holds the position part-time leaves in January. Hiring decisions would come back to the board. Since …